The Christian Culture Survival Guide: The Misadventures of an Outsider on the Inside

by Stephen Baldwin and Matthew Paul Turner

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0974694207
• ISBN13: 9780974694207
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Relevant Books
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 7.1"

Customer Reviews

A Refreshing Look at the Church

Matthew Paul Turner uses both moments of roll-on-the-floor humor and moments of eye-opening honesty to expose many of the idiosyncracies of Christianity in our day and age. He goes all the way with many of his jokes (so any Christian who can't take their Christian culturisms being made fun of be warned) trom a count-down list of what you can do with your old WWJD bracelets to some pretty hillarious (and true) critisisms of "Christian" movies. However, within all of this is some terrific underlying meaning. Turner blasts away the facade of a lot of Christian fads and also rebukes many false preachings and behaviors common in the Church today. What you get, by the end, is both a humorous and insightful look at Church, largely as it is seen from the outside (having astranged myself from Christianity for a while in my teen years, I have seen it both from the outside and in). This is a book I would highly recommend, It will be a familiar, unashamed laugh for all Christians, old and new, who don't might a lighthearted exposition of the behavior within the Church. Just bring an open mind and a sense of humor.

So MUCH Fun!

I'm not sure what book others on this list are reading or if they're simply reading bits and pieces or maybe they're fundamentalists, but the Christian Culture Survival Guide is a brave, funny read that every Christian would find interesting. Turner's stories are sometimes crazy, but always entertaining and redemptive. For anyone who has been hurt by the church or has walked away from their faith altogether, this book will lift your spirits. I loved it.

A Must Read

I, like the author, grew up in a fundamental church and still feel the love of God whenever I go back to worship there. I understand and relate to the stories and anecdotes Mr. Turner shares.I've actually shared the book with my fundamental independant Baptist pastor and he chuckled throughout and thoroughly enjoyed the read. Understand that not only is the author poking fun at the environment he grew up in, but he is also graciously and lovingly placing a mirror in front of the lives of the same people who bash and shun this book. I can tell through his writing that he only wishes to pull the best out of Christians...even if it means stiirring the pot a little.I once read that Christianity is basic marketing...and Christians these days are doing a horrible getting the word out about the greatest product ever made...the grace and mercy of our amazing Savior. Thanks, Mr. Turner, for the mirror and the honesty!

The best book by an, umm, Christian I have ever read

First, let me say this: I'm not a Christian. I grew up in church, but have not been to church for a very long time. A friend of mine gave me this book and told me to give it a chance, that it wasn't your ordinary "Christian" book. And she was right. I laughed so hard at Turner's stories, lists and opinions. IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE WROTE THIS BOOK. He isn't preachy. He calls a spade a spade and does it all with a humorous twist. My favorite story is when he talks about getting baptized. I about fell out of my chair. I agree with the last review, I think some are taking this book WAY too seriously. It's meant to be fun. It's not blasphemous. It's a man's life--he's telling it like he sees it. His writing isn't Shakespeare, but it's far from immature and pointless. I'm probably not going back to church anytime soon, but a week ago, I did pick up a Bible for the first time in ten years. Thank you Matthew for being honest ... perhaps, you can put another star in your crown ;-) HAHAHA!!!!

Get real

Given the reviews I've read here, I think it's easy to see why there are so many problems in the church today.The fact of the matter is that an overwhelming number of people today are lost. And although the church is supposed to be a refuge and source of direction for these people, it has instead turned in to a legalistic plumage of smoke and mirrors. Apparently, some of the people who "reviewed" this book aren't yet willing to admit to this fact. (Although, I find it hard to believe that any of the people who have left negative reviews actually took the time to read this book! Rather, they most likely skimmed over it w/ a biased (read - "prideful") eye.)Every negative review of this book begins with the premise that Matthew addresses some important topics that no writer has yet had the courage to address, and then in the very same review they cut him down for not addressing these issues in the right way or the appropriate writing standards. Yea, way to offer something constructive. (Oh wait, I forgot, Christians aren't ever allowed to be sarcastic. Scratch that last line...) Instead of cutting down this courageous author, how about contributing something to the cause that you have already agreed needs to be addressed!?! But wait, that would take courage, a trait the negative reviewers apparently believe Christians today aren't allowed to possess.What I have learned from this book is that I am not alone in my disappointment regarding the church. Instead of making me want to turn away from God's church (something that Christians in general have done a fabulous job of doing) Matthew's book has encouraged me to face the issues of the church, and strive to do something positive about them. He has taught me that it is OK to acknowledge problems within the church, and that doing so is the first step in creating a positive, Godly change.It is evident in his book, "The Christian Culture Survival Guide" that author Matt Turner has a true heart for the lost, and a desire to share with them the love he has found in his Savior and Lord. He also has obviously experienced the same disappointments that many people have with the church today, and does not want these people to lose hope or the desire to follow the Father despite these Earthly inadequacies. Thank you Matt for stepping out on a ledge, putting it all out there, and reaching those of us that were feeling so alone, despite all of the heat you will be taking for writing this book.